[Thoughts] Running E85
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
E85 has an equivalent octane of roughly 105-106. Where else can you go to a pump and get that? I spoke with one of the Innovate tech support guys about tuning and they said you can rough tune it the same. Even though the true AFR's are different, the wideband O2 sensors don't know what type of fuel you're running and what you read on your AFR on your wideband meter would be the same. In other words if your stoich AFR on E85 cruising is 11:1 you would still read 14.7:1 on your meter when you're running E85 and stoich. It would just take more fuel to get it to read that number.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,840
Likes: 43
From: State of Confusion.
If anyone is interested check out the Dynomax Power to the Wheels competition. The top 10-12 guys are all running E85 and power ranges from 570 to 1267. It must make power. And if you are headed to SEMA you can see the finals of the competition. I'm one of the guys Warp had talked to about this, and yes my car is a FLEX-FUEL, blown f-body
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota Corn Fields
Yes Andy does my tuning. Its just a stock motor with a D1 kit, headers and exhaust. I've got 60# injectors, swapped over to 97-98 vette rails and added a return line back to the tank where I have a Racetronix pump with a Kenne Bell Boost-A-Pump
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 3
From: Ft. Worth TX
Well, I have a tuning session with Patrick at QMS. He is definately one of the better tuners in our area. We are going to see what e85 will do and it's characteristics will be like. I'll give my results when finished. Tuning session is on Monday.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 95
From: MI
He'll come around...just may not be in the time frame that we want. However after my EFILive SD mishap, I won't be doing anything w/o both is approval and "supervision" so E85 will have to wait.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,840
Likes: 43
From: State of Confusion.
Hey Earl!
Do you mind telling me what happened with your EFiLive Mishap? I'm in the process of converting to their COS3 and would be Very Interested in hearing about it! PM me if you'd like or post. Whichever is best/easiest for you!
Sorry for the Hi-Jack!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota Corn Fields
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 10
From: Macomb MI
Guys, why does everyone think this is new? I ran it almost 3 years ago now and I just was not thrilled with the results. Not to mention it flat out swallowed up a fuel system that makes 750-800 rwhp on regular fuel. Top this off with the fact fuel economy SUCKS and not always being able to locate a station it was not worth it. Although there seems to be a lot more locations than when I messed with it.
As for a full "flex fuel" tune, Its pretty unlikey unless you somehow installed all the nesc fuel composition sensors etc and rewrote the operating system.
If its something you have to have, I will do it. but its certainly not something that all sunshine some make it out to be.
Phil
As for a full "flex fuel" tune, Its pretty unlikey unless you somehow installed all the nesc fuel composition sensors etc and rewrote the operating system.
If its something you have to have, I will do it. but its certainly not something that all sunshine some make it out to be.
Phil
Last edited by RoadRebel; Oct 18, 2007 at 03:49 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota Corn Fields
I just filled up with 91 octane yesterday and it still drives the same as it did with the corn. No sensors are needed that I'm aware of. I think the last time I checked I only lost a few mpg.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 10
From: Macomb MI
Phil
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: Chicagoland Area IL
Well, they must be smarter than GM,Ford and Chrysler because even their OWN "advertised" fuel econmey numbers suck on E85 and much more than "a few mpg" loss. Also, do you think all the vehicle manufacturers currently selling E85 equipped vehicles would have added the cost of all the new sensors on flex fuel if they didnt have to?
Phil
Phil
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 1,829
From: Metro Detroit Michigan
With no fuel sensor, a tune for E85, and gasoline in the tank..........
Once the engine's started (might start really rich on gasoline), is there a wide enough range of adjustment in the computer to adjust to gas fairly quickly based on oxygen sensor readings? At least at low power?
Once the engine's started (might start really rich on gasoline), is there a wide enough range of adjustment in the computer to adjust to gas fairly quickly based on oxygen sensor readings? At least at low power?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,083
Likes: 1,829
From: Metro Detroit Michigan
What I'm asking is if there is (or can be) enough range in the fuel trims so a car tuned for E85 can run on gasoline in a pinch?
HERE'S MORE READING from someone who experimented extensively.
HERE'S MORE READING from someone who experimented extensively.
